Hollow circular segmental lens structure with liquid filler



350-418 SR SEARCH RUU Feb. 7 1950 2 496 681 HOLLOW EiRE JUEA IQ SQE M ES 'I AL LENS T ,2 0 7 STRUCTURE WITH LIQUID FILLER Filed Feb. 14, 1947 X 2 2 L i n R. Siep/aens '7 7 Attorney:

Patented Feb. 7, 1950 SEARCH RG! UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE HOLLOW CIRCULAR SEGMENTAL LENS STRUCTURE WITH LIQUID FILLER 3 Claims.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a lens constructed of hollow segments, the segmentsbeing hollow to contain a liquid.

Another important object of the invention is to provide a hollow sun ra c ncentratin lens wherein the lens is constructed of hollow sections capable of being assembled into a complete lens assembly, with less work and monetary expenditure than would be necessary to construct a conventional lens of corresponding size.

A further object of the invention is to provide a hollow lens segmented for the purpose of easier construction at lower cost than is possible in producing lens structures now in general use.

These and various other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to the reader of the following description.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of the assembled lens with a portion broken away.

Figure 2 is a section taken on line 2-2 ure 1.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary arcuate section taken substantially on line 3-3 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on line 44 of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a side elevational view of one of the hollow sections with portions broken away to disclose the inner vertical wall and also a portion of the bottom wall.

Referring to the drawing, numeral 5 (see Figure 5) denotes one of the segmental sections. These sections may be of any degree segmentation of a circle desired. As a matter 'of fact the lens may be made up of different degree segments or of uniform size segments.

Each segment is of hollow construction having convex top and bottom walls 6, 1 and inwardly converging side walls 8, 9. The inner ends of the top and bottom walls 6, I are of arcuate form as denoted by numeral I0 and connecting these ends of the top and bottom walls is a narrow vertical and transversely arcuate wall II. the wall at one end having an opening l2 through which water or other liquid filler for the segments is forced, or

of Fi otherwise placed in the segments, after which the opening I! is closed by a plug l3.

The segment 5 has its top and bottom walls 6, I cemented together by a suitable material l4, and the segments are secured together in a circular form defining the assembled lens by a suitable cement I5 between the opposed side walls 8, 9 of adjacent segments.

The inner walls I I and arcuate inner end portions 10 of the top and bottom walls 6, l define a circular opening l6 through the center of the lens.

The segments when assembled and adhered to gether may be mounted in a suitable supporting frame for use with the solar heating apparatus (not shown).

The segments may be sizes varying from 45 to the diameter of the lens of course dictating the width of the segments.

The construction of the segments may be of plastic or glass, preferably of plastic and if precast, the points of juncture can be taken care of at that time.

It will thus be seen that the present invention contemplates not only hollow lens, but one that is segmented as well as hollow.

While the foregoing description sets forth the invention in specific terms, it is to be understood that numerous changes in the shape, size and materials may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed hereinafter.

" nal walls dividing the interior of the lens into a plurality of segmental chambers, a tubular wall extending axially through the lens, said tubular wall having openings communicating th interior of the tubular wall with the said chambers and closure plugs for said openings.

3. A lens composed of a plurality of segments assembled together to form a circular lens structure, said segments being hollow and a liquid deposit for said hollow segments, the inner ends of the segments being transversely curved to define a passageway through the lens axially when the segments are assembled and adhered together.

ROBERT D. STEPHENS.

REFERENCES CITED UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Da Number to Woodward Nov. 27, 1888 Number Number Name Date Ingram Nov. 28, 1893 Gathmann Jan. 1, 1895 Goettert Jan. 19, 1926 Beach June 17, 1930 Yetter Feb. 17, 1931 Meyer Jan. 22, 1935 McGregor Sept. 17, 1940 Flint Oct. 27, 1942 Blau Aug. 8, 1944 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Great Britain of 1908 Great Britain of 1909 

